PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for a low back disorder, service connection for a neuropsychiatric disorder to include PTSD, and service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder claimed as acid reflux. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions, particularly in relation to his active duty service and exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the Veteran's claimed stressor of a remote possibility of deployment to the front lines of Operation Desert Storm does not meet the criteria for a valid PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied as he did not meet the criteria for entitlement to these benefits.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted as his current diagnosis of PTSD was caused by in-service combat-related stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to July 16, 2010 and for restoration of a 30% rating for PTSD. The decision found that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the original December 7, 2012 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, cervical spine disability, back disability, and memory loss due to Camp Lejeune exposure have been granted. The service connection for these conditions is based on new evidence that reopened the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are already considered in his current TBI rating, so he is not entitled to a separate compensable evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety and depression, as well as PTSD, were denied. The decision found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for anxiety and depression, and there was no verified stressor to support the diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting evidence regarding a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability, and a new examination is needed to determine the etiology of any such condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction) precluded him from engaging in substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, and his condition was found to be at the 30 percent level.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, wrist condition, sleep apnea, and PTSD have been denied. The claim for service connection for the residuals of a head injury is being remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye condition and right eye condition are also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than April 2, 2014 for service connection of left ankle disorder, right knee disorders (limitation of extension and flexion), and posttraumatic stress disorder with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as his symptoms are linked to an in-service personal assault and he provided credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressor.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his active duty service and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's neurological residuals of a right cranial nerve injury had its onset in service and is granted. The left knee, right knee, back, chronic sciatic nerve pain condition, cataracts, chronic sinusitis, hypertension (high blood pressure), and psychiatric condition (PTSD) are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD that conforms with the DSM.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD makes it impossible for him to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the RO not fully adjudicating his claim. The TDIU matter should have been addressed as it was reasonably raised by the record, and the Veteran has met the threshold eligibility requirements for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, finding that there is no current evidence of a psychiatric disability during or shortly before the pendency of the claim.